Borussia Dortmund sign Leonardo Balerdi from Boca Juniors
Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Boca Juniors defender Leonardo Balerdi, with the Argentina U20 international signing a long-term contract at the Signal Iduna Park.
Balerdi, 19, is a rangy central defender capable of bringing the ball out from the back having been a midfielder in his youth, and is expected to provide fierce competition for the likes of Manuel Akanji and Abdou Diallo in the second half of the season.
"The signing of Leonardo Bernardi was originally planned for the summer, but has now been brought forward," explained Dortmund sporting director Michale Zorc. "Leonardo is an intelligent central defender, who's strong in the tackle and in the air. His build-up play and passing are also good. We're very happy to have signed him and we're confident he will be an asset for us going forward."
Already an Argentine Primera Division winner with Boca, Balerdi will be optimistic of adding more silverware this season with Dortmund currently six points clear in the Bundesliga.
Balerdi could make his Bundesliga debut as soon as 19 January, when Dortmund take on fellow title aspirants RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena.
Click here for more Borussia Dortmund news, views and features!
Related news
Japan's Bundesliga core that beat Germany
With eight Germany-based players in their World Cup squad, Japan had plenty of inside knowledge to stun the four-time world champions.
German clubs on tour
Dortmund are in Asia, Frankfurt went to Japan, while Leverkusen, Cologne, Stuttgart and HSV headed to the USA...
5 reasons Germany will beat Spain
Some of the Bundesliga's finest can help Germany get the job done in Group E...